Seven organizations working with young people with disabilities, adolescents temporarily separated from their parents and from disadvantaged families, and young refugees, set up friendly spaces to conduct non-formal activities, including sexual and reproductive health education, under a program supported by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). These spaces were set up in institutions that include: MOTIVAȚIE Association of Moldova, Temporary Placement Center for children separated from their parents from Soroca town, PHOENIX Rehabilitation Center for children with disabilities from Rîșcani town, the Everyone Contributes to Change NGO from the Criuleni town, Eternitate Association of Parents of People with Disabilities from Obreja Veche village, Fălești district, Sunshine NGO and Personal Assistance Service from Chișinău. 

“UNFPA’s efforts to support the empowerment and information of young people about their sexual and reproductive rights also include setting up friendly environments favorable to taboo-free discussions. These multifunctional spaces were equipped with materials that meet young people's needs and will help them make informed decisions about their lives and health”, says Olga Pânzari, Program Manager on Health Education, UNFPA.

Temporary Placement Center in Soroca offers temporary protection for children and adolescents separated from their parents. Victims of violence, neglect, exploitation and trafficking, adolescents with disabilities and complex emotional problems throughout the country come here to receive emotional rehabilitation and support for social reintegration.

 “We received a digital kit that will help us in our everyday work to conduct educational programs for out-of-school youth. In addition, young people now have a place where they can spend their free time in a pleasant and qualitative way. Here they will develop more life skills and cognitive, communication, behavioural and interpersonal skills”, says Ina Osadciuc, Director of the Center.

“We worked jointly with each organization to identify the needs depending on the specifics of the activity and the group of young people this organization works with. All seven spaces were equipped with furniture, technical equipment and teaching materials necessary for the activities. Thus, with the support of UNFPA and the UK Government, we will contribute to the social inclusion of vulnerable young people and the creation of healthy life skills”, noted Ludmila Iachim, Executive Director of MOTIVATION Association of Moldova”.

“By fitting out this space with modern furniture and equipment, we created better and safer conditions for young people with Down syndrome who attend activities. Here we will organise information and creative workshops for young people with Down syndrome and their parents”, reiterated Ala Burlaca, president of Sunshine NGO of Chișinău.

The Everyone Contributes to Change NGO works with young people, including those with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds, who want to explore different career areas or receive counselling and support to set their career goals.

 “Endowing this space with equipment help increase the quality of the services provided to young people by creating a comfortable environment tailored to their needs for counselling and vocational guidance. Today, we can also conduct individual career guidance and counselling sessions in a discussion-friendly environment. Here, we will also hold presentations, training and career planning sessions and workshops.”, said Victoria Secu, Executive Director of the Everyone Contributes to Change NGO.

These seven spaces were set up under the ‘Increasing Protection, Resilience and Social Inclusion of Ukrainian Refugees and Vulnerable Groups in the Republic of Moldova by Strengthening Prevention and Response Mechanisms to Gender Based Violence and Strengthening Social Protection and Health Systems’ Program, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in the Republic of Moldova and funded by the UK Government.